Exactly 30 years after winning his first national title as a 13-year-old in 1979, Tico motocross legend Adrián Robert has become the Costa Rican national champion for the 40th time, following his win Sunday at La Olla track in Sabanilla de Alajuela.
The 43-year-old veteran rider of French descent pulled himself out of retirement in 2006 to again become the most successful motocross rider in Costa Rica.
The weekend event was the eighth and final national motocross tournament of the year, with more than 1,000 people turning out to cheer on riders through the clouds of dust at La Olla.
“The goal I set myself was to win all my heats in the eight tournaments this year,” Robert said. “I knew it was going to be difficult but I did it and am extremely happy. I intend to carry on for a few more years and next year would like to try and compete in endurance, cross-country and race motocross, because no one has ever won all three, and this is the plan.”
The tournament, organized by Moto Club Costa Rica in conjunction with SM Producciones, was divided into different categories, from amateur to professional, and from young riders to a veteran class.
Roberto Castro, for the second year running, took top spot in the principal MX1 class, despite fierce opposition from Johan Mora, who ultimately couldn´t overcome an 18 to 12 points deficit.
Castro said, “It´s been a great year, despite the injuries. Here we have a really high level of competition, so in order to win you have to be so competitive.”
